Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Middleton, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Middleton, WI, but with restrictions. Short-Term Residential Rentals are allowed only as an Accessory Land Use to a Residential Land Use (per Sec. 10.03.28(26)); owner must operate the rental (renters only if lease allows). Stays of 1–6 days require the operator’s primary residence if the operator is absent; if operator occupies during rental there is no day-limit, if operator does not occupy for 1–6 day stays the unit may operate no more than 30 days per permitting year. Stays of 6–29 days are limited to 180 consecutive days in any 365-day period. Maximum occupancy is the lesser of two times the number of legal bedrooms or twelve; guest register and business records are required and must be available for inspection. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-Term Residential Rentals are allowed only as an Accessory Land Use to a Residential Land Use (per Sec. 10.03.28(26)); owner must operate the rental (renters only if lease allows). Stays of 1–6 days require the operator’s primary residence if the operator is absent; if operator occupies during rental there is no day-limit, if operator does not occupy for 1–6 day stays the unit may operate no more than 30 days per permitting year. Stays of 6–29 days are limited to 180 consecutive days in any 365-day period. Maximum occupancy is the lesser of two times the number of legal bedrooms or twelve; guest register and business records are required and must be available for inspection.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Middleton. 1) Complete and submit the City of Middleton Short-Term Residential Rental application (submit electronically to planning@cityofmiddleton.us) with required items: completed application, type of structure and max occupancy, current floor plan, Building Code Inspection Report, owner consent, period of operation and primary residence status, proof of property/liability insurance, State of Wisconsin Tourist Rental House License, Wisconsin Department of Revenue seller’s permit, City Room Tax Permit, and payment of the administrative fee. 2) Obtain required inspections/approvals listed on the application (City building inspection and Dane County Public Health as applicable). 3) City issues an Annual Short-Term Residential Rental License upon completion of requirements; operating without current license is a zoning violation.

1) Complete and submit the City of Middleton Short-Term Residential Rental application (submit electronically to planning@cityofmiddleton.us) with required items: completed application, type of structure and max occupancy, current floor plan, Building Code Inspection Report, owner consent, period of operation and primary residence status, proof of property/liability insurance, State of Wisconsin Tourist Rental House License, Wisconsin Department of Revenue seller’s permit, City Room Tax Permit, and payment of the administrative fee. 2) Obtain required inspections/approvals listed on the application (City building inspection and Dane County Public Health as applicable). 3) City issues an Annual Short-Term Residential Rental License upon completion of requirements; operating without current license is a zoning violation.

Vrbo is permitted in Middleton, WI under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Middleton are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Middleton. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.